News

Thorney Bay plan is set for approval

UP TO 600 homes could be built on Thorney Bay Caravan Park after initial plans were submitted by owner Jeff King.

Mr King has submitted an outline application to Castle Point Council, with officers recommending the plans for approval.

The application comes after two years of buil-up and speculation about creating a housing estate on the site, off Thorney Bay Road.

But Beverley Egan, Castle Point councillor responsible for housing, said the plans were first thought about in the late Nineties.

She said: “We have not seen many large-scale developments in Castle Point for a long time, and I appreciate it can be hard for residents. “But it’s easy to forget this land has been identified for
development since about 1998.

“This is a sensitive issue and far from straight forward, as the committee will have to look at infrastructure of the area, health and safety requirements, schools and take on board residents’
concerns. “A decision will not come easily.”

Final details have still to be agreed, but it is expected that should it get the go-ahead, the number of caravans would be reduced to 300 – representing about 600 residents – and a maximum of 600
homes would be built to house about 1,380 people.

Mr King said he was unable to comment on the application until it is heard by the council’s development control committee. It meets at the council offices in Kiln Road, Thundersley, at 7.30pm on
Tuesday.

Critics of the plan say it would lead to homes being built too close to the Calor Gas and Oikos terminals west of the site, with Calor among those objecting to the plans.

Essex County Council is also soon set to publish a report on its review around Comah sites – Control of Major Accident Hazards.

George Whatley, chairman of People Against Methane, said any plans should be considered after the report is published.

He said: “I am disgusted the council is considering granting this outline application. “My concern is why has this been recommended for approval when the council knows the results from Essex County
Council’s report is due.”

Council officers say less than 10 per cent of the development will be 300m from the Calor Gas plant and cannot be refused.

Anne Harrison, from the council, said: “There is clearly further work to be undertaken in respect of the application. “However, the committee is asked to give a view at this stage on the
acceptability of the principle of residential development on this site and to note the further work needed to address the issues identified.”MORE than two years of preparation has gone into
proposals to build a housing estate on Canvey ’s biggest caravan park.

Plans to develop on Thorney Bay Caravan Park, in Thorney Bay Road, came about in 2010 as a means of protecting green belt on Canvey and quashing residents’ concerns over antisocial behaviour in the
area.

Prior to submitting an outline application, businessman Jeff King, owner of the site, held lengthy discussions with senior planning officers at Castle Point Council to assess how much of the
90-acre park could be redeveloped. A public consultation on the plans took place last December, offering residents the chance to have their say on the proposals.

The plans have sparked a mixed reaction from residents, who fear the island’s already congested roads will struggle to cope with additional cars.

However, it is thought traffic would be eased if the final extension of Roscommon Way from Haven Road to Thorney Bay Road goes ahead, taking drivers away from Long Road.

More than 1,000 caravans – housing approximately 4,368 people – are currently situated on the park.

Comments (14)

So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.

So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.Nebs

If the Council approve these plans, I hope they have a plan to go along with it as to how they're going to improve, Thorney Bay Road, Long Road, Craven Avenue, Furtherwick Road, Link Road and Canvey Road to cope with the extra traffic passing through those roads and junctions.

If the Council approve these plans, I hope they have a plan to go along with it as to how they're going to improve, Thorney Bay Road, Long Road, Craven Avenue, Furtherwick Road, Link Road and Canvey Road to cope with the extra traffic passing through those roads and junctions.Valentino

New homes have already been rejected because of flooding concerns and now they appear to be rubber stamping 600 houses.

The assumed population figures are rubbish as they know a large number of new residents will be East Europeans and London overflow so expect 2 or 3 times the estimate - just look at the poblems a neighbouring Thurrock.

Who has receied a nice fat brown enveope?

Madness. The roads can't cope as it is.
New homes have already been rejected because of flooding concerns and now they appear to be rubber stamping 600 houses.
The assumed population figures are rubbish as they know a large number of new residents will be East Europeans and London overflow so expect 2 or 3 times the estimate - just look at the poblems a neighbouring Thurrock.
Who has receied a nice fat brown enveope?A Dermot

Valentino wrote:
If the Council approve these plans, I hope they have a plan to go along with it as to how they're going to improve, Thorney Bay Road, Long Road, Craven Avenue, Furtherwick Road, Link Road and Canvey Road to cope with the extra traffic passing through those roads and junctions.

But if there will be 2,000 less people then surely there will be less traffic.

[quote][p][bold]Valentino[/bold] wrote:
If the Council approve these plans, I hope they have a plan to go along with it as to how they're going to improve, Thorney Bay Road, Long Road, Craven Avenue, Furtherwick Road, Link Road and Canvey Road to cope with the extra traffic passing through those roads and junctions.[/p][/quote]But if there will be 2,000 less people then surely there will be less traffic.Nebs

As always, residents of Thorney Bay Camp are being treated as though we are invisible, with no direct information about our futures at all. The vast majority of residents on this camp are law-abiding, respectful, hard-working human beings, many of whom have been here for many years, who have made our 'caravans' into individual and much-loved homes. Many have been through hardships of all kinds, and often have sad stories to tell. It disgusts me every time I read only negative comments and disrespect from outside the camp-site from those more fortunate than I have been in my life. Where are we expected to go now? I know from experience how impossible it is to rent privately because landlords very rarely accept anyone who is not earning a huge salary. These are our HOMES, and for some it is all we have got. I pay my rent and also my Council Tax, and I am entitled to vote. I am not an invisible low-life. Many have children settled at school, and I have a teenage dependent, so I repeat, WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR US?

As always, residents of Thorney Bay Camp are being treated as though we are invisible, with no direct information about our futures at all. The vast majority of residents on this camp are law-abiding, respectful, hard-working human beings, many of whom have been here for many years, who have made our 'caravans' into individual and much-loved homes. Many have been through hardships of all kinds, and often have sad stories to tell. It disgusts me every time I read only negative comments and disrespect from outside the camp-site from those more fortunate than I have been in my life. Where are we expected to go now? I know from experience how impossible it is to rent privately because landlords very rarely accept anyone who is not earning a huge salary. These are our HOMES, and for some it is all we have got. I pay my rent and also my Council Tax, and I am entitled to vote. I am not an invisible low-life. Many have children settled at school, and I have a teenage dependent, so I repeat, WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR US?ThorneyLover

Nebs wrote:
So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.

Exactly, I agree, where are we supposed to go???

[quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote:
So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.[/p][/quote]Exactly, I agree, where are we supposed to go???ThorneyLover

Nebs wrote:
So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.

Exactly, I agree, where are we supposed to go???

A development of this size is bound to have some low cost housing. Get your name down, find out who will be allocating them, and make a nuisance of yourself about progress, so as all the staff remember you. Then, when the time comes to hand out the houses, you might get one "just to shut him up". It could all backfire, but there will be so many people chasing those houses that anything that makes you stand out from the crowd ought to help.

[quote][p][bold]ThorneyLover[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote:
So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.[/p][/quote]Exactly, I agree, where are we supposed to go???[/p][/quote]A development of this size is bound to have some low cost housing. Get your name down, find out who will be allocating them, and make a nuisance of yourself about progress, so as all the staff remember you. Then, when the time comes to hand out the houses, you might get one "just to shut him up". It could all backfire, but there will be so many people chasing those houses that anything that makes you stand out from the crowd ought to help.Nebs

Nebs wrote:
So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.

so i have spoken to the site office ( i own a caravan on the site )and was told that thay no nothing an that it is all hear say !!! wtf i need to no if my van will be affected as il be homless and i do pay councile tax as do many on the park its how the vans are registerd with the councile but yet i only stay there for 10 months witch is a nightmare having to move every winter .. i found myself living in a camper van last winte in minus 16 !! the houses is a bad idea just make the park residential for 12month use for all as ther alredy in use anyway and thay wont make people homless

[quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote:
So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.[/p][/quote]so i have spoken to the site office ( i own a caravan on the site )and was told that thay no nothing an that it is all hear say !!! wtf i need to no if my van will be affected as il be homless and i do pay councile tax as do many on the park its how the vans are registerd with the councile but yet i only stay there for 10 months witch is a nightmare having to move every winter .. i found myself living in a camper van last winte in minus 16 !! the houses is a bad idea just make the park residential for 12month use for all as ther alredy in use anyway and thay wont make people homlesscanveysteve

Nebs wrote:
So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.

so i have spoken to the site office ( i own a caravan on the site )and was told that thay no nothing an that it is all hear say !!! wtf i need to no if my van will be affected as il be homless and i do pay councile tax as do many on the park its how the vans are registerd with the councile but yet i only stay there for 10 months witch is a nightmare having to move every winter .. i found myself living in a camper van last winte in minus 16 !! the houses is a bad idea just make the park residential for 12month use for all as ther alredy in use anyway and thay wont make people homless

canveysteve wrote:

so i have spoken to the site office ( i own a caravan on the site )and was told that thay no nothing an that it is all hear say !!! wtf i need to no if my van will be affected as il be homless and i do pay councile tax as do many on the park its how the vans are registerd with the councile but yet i only stay there for 10 months witch is a nightmare having to move every winter .. i found myself living in a camper van last winte in minus 16 !! the houses is a bad idea just make the park residential for 12month use for all as ther alredy in use anyway and thay wont make people homless

Perhaps an adult literacy course would also be of benefit to you!

[quote][p][bold]canveysteve[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote:
So after it is all finished there will be 300 caravans with 600 people, and 600 homes for 1380 people. That makes 1980 people. At the moment there are 4368 people in 1000 caravans. Where are the other 2388 people going to live, and why are the caravans going to reduce occupancy from 4 to 2 people each.[/p][/quote]so i have spoken to the site office ( i own a caravan on the site )and was told that thay no nothing an that it is all hear say !!! wtf i need to no if my van will be affected as il be homless and i do pay councile tax as do many on the park its how the vans are registerd with the councile but yet i only stay there for 10 months witch is a nightmare having to move every winter .. i found myself living in a camper van last winte in minus 16 !! the houses is a bad idea just make the park residential for 12month use for all as ther alredy in use anyway and thay wont make people homless[/p][/quote]canveysteve wrote:
so i have spoken to the site office ( i own a caravan on the site )and was told that thay no nothing an that it is all hear say !!! wtf i need to no if my van will be affected as il be homless and i do pay councile tax as do many on the park its how the vans are registerd with the councile but yet i only stay there for 10 months witch is a nightmare having to move every winter .. i found myself living in a camper van last winte in minus 16 !! the houses is a bad idea just make the park residential for 12month use for all as ther alredy in use anyway and thay wont make people homless
Perhaps an adult literacy course would also be of benefit to you!nicknows

i also own a caravan on thorney bay park and have lived on here for 6 years now. i don't live here by choice but because it is all i can aford, i work full time and i am a student yet i earn less the £200 a week. i have been on the council houseing list for 9 years now and have yet to be offered any were to live when i go in and ask the houseing about it they say i am still on the waiting list but i am not priority. i have tryed to rent privalty but i can not aford it i have tryed to get houseing benfeet but i am told that i am not entitlet to it and now they are takeing away the only home that i can just about aford some weeks i had tyo go with out food just to pay the site and i know may people that live here are in the same boat as me what are we went to do were are we wernt to go! and as for the people that are complaing that they dont like the look of the caravans get a reality check and get over your self you are makeing people homeless for the sake of looks grow up!

i also own a caravan on thorney bay park and have lived on here for 6 years now. i don't live here by choice but because it is all i can aford, i work full time and i am a student yet i earn less the £200 a week. i have been on the council houseing list for 9 years now and have yet to be offered any were to live when i go in and ask the houseing about it they say i am still on the waiting list but i am not priority. i have tryed to rent privalty but i can not aford it i have tryed to get houseing benfeet but i am told that i am not entitlet to it and now they are takeing away the only home that i can just about aford some weeks i had tyo go with out food just to pay the site and i know may people that live here are in the same boat as me what are we went to do were are we wernt to go! and as for the people that are complaing that they dont like the look of the caravans get a reality check and get over your self you are makeing people homeless for the sake of looks grow up!canveysteve